Tissue

Question 1

‘Paper that lets light shine through.’

Answer 1

‘Paper’ begins the poem and is used at the start of the first 2 sentences (both in first stanza).
-‘Light’ allows things to be seen rather than hidden. This hints at Dharker’s idea of CHANGE.
-The ‘light’ may be a biblical reference to Christianity (Jesus is the light of the world) - light connotes purity, God and our spirits which sanctify human endeavour.

Question 2

‘In the well-used books, the back of the Koran.’

Answer 2

-Conveys the important of nature. Paper can make ‘well-used books’ which have a big influential impact on humanity implies that paper is very significant.
-Reference to the Koran emphasises the importance of paper and how much it actually affects our lives without us realising.
-‘Koran’ connotes religion, culture.
-Suggests that we frequently use paper.

Question 3

‘Sepia date’

Answer 3

Sepia was a chemical filter used on paper to ensure it lasted longer and endured a plentiful life.
Emphasises the age of paper and how it can be handed down generations and still survive ; outlives humanity, very crucial.

Question 4

FORM

Answer 4

Tissue is an ALLEGORY for materialistic life taking control over society, rather than humanity focusing on the things that TRULY matter; like, culture, religion and others around them.

Question 5

STRUCTURE

Answer 5

First few quatrains show POWER of something so fragile (POWER).
Next few quatrains show WEAKNESS of paper as it’s unsuitable for the capitalistic ways of life.

Enjambment; freedom can be found even when restricted by control - mocking those in power.

Question 6

CONTEXT

Answer 6

-CONFLICT IN POEM: humans create severe conflict by holding tightly onto power and control.
-The poem looks at modern politics and warfare; the koran is symbolic of a wider issue.
-The things we build around us corrupt society and are at odds of our own existence.